Page 58 of Soldier, Tailor, Spy

“What about the kid?” Alex muttered. “What are the chances Liam has to be taken out as well?”

“Duncan knows the risks. If everyone can reach his brother, I have the utmost confidence it’ll be Duncan. He’ll do what needs to be done to secure his brother.” Asher flipped to the next section. “Now, this is where things will get sketchy. Bexley, you and your team, if you want this mission, can hunt down the man who tried to kill Bronx and Alé, along with attempting to kidnap you. We have where he’s located.”

“Who is it?” Bexley murmured.

“His name is Simón De Cabrillo, the leader of the Pueblo Cartel.” The photo of the man stared back at Jake while Asher continued to speak. “There were several FBI agents undercover in his ranks. Most have been killed. There are still two hidden within the men. We also know the information on you was sent directly to Simón, and he sent his goons.”

“We’ll take it,” Bexley said. “I’d like to request Omar Pershing join us.”

Asher nodded. “Granted. Mackenzie will oversee your mission, since Thomas and AJ are out of pocket.”

Bexley scrunched up her face. “M-Mackenzie?”

A man stepped into the room. Jake had no clue who the guy was, but he was clean cut, silver hair and dark eyes. He stood a good inch taller than Asher and was about ten pounds lighter. He had a scowl on his face and a sour disposition. The urge to tell Asher to fuck off with the guy had Jake clenching his fist. He might not have known Bexley for as long as everyone else, but he wouldn’t allow the new asshole anywhere near her.

“Everyone, this is Dallas Mackenzie, Commander. He came highly recommended by Brigadier General Blackwell.” Asher motioned to the man who joined them. “He’s also Rae’s older brother.”

“Fuck that,” Jake muttered. “I’ll take this mission. No way in hell I’d let him near Bexley.”

Asher tilted his head. “What’s got your panties in a twist?”

“Look at him.” Jake motioned to the guy who joined them. “He’s an asshole.” He glanced at the new guy. “No offense, man. I get it. You’re Rae’s brother, but Bexley needs someone who won’t be a dick to her.”

Bexley snickered, as did Noah. “I-I’m fine. I’m sure Commander Mackenzie won’t be too much of a dick to me.”

Dallas’ scowl deepened. “Excuse me?” See, even his voice was coarse, holding an edge of superior smugness that rubbed Jake the wrong way.

“Jake,” Asher said, “I wouldn’t have suggested he work with Bex if Dallas had any issues taking orders from a woman. Besides, this transfer has been in the works for a couple of years now, finding the son of a bitch. Well, that was the hard part.”

Dallas nodded to Bexley. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, ma’am. Commander Rainer has said great things about you. I can’t wait to work with you. Think of me only as your shadow. I’ll be the one you can bounce ideas off of and help you implement mission actions.” He glanced at Jake. “Never judge a book by a cover.”

Jake held up his hands. “She’s a good kid. Don’t need some asshole running roughshod over her, is all.”

“I appreciate you protecting your team member, but Bexley and her team will be in good company with me.” Dallas held out his hand. “Captain O’Malley.”

The new title rubbed Jake the wrong way, but he understood his actions had consequences. He shook the man’s hand. “Understood.”

“Moving on,” Asher said, cutting his gaze toward Jake. “Alex, Maggie, I’ve found the leader of the Fedorov Bratva, Alexi Fedorov aka—”

“The Strangler,” Maggie stated. “Shit.”

“You know him?” Asher asked.

“Very well,” Maggie replied. “Let’s just say we go way back.”

“Well, according to Luca, it appears Alexi is the one who renewed the hit on you and Alex this time. We have a location of where he is, if you and Alex would like to go have a little fun?” Asher wiggled his brows.

Maggie grinned. “Don’t even have to ask us twice.”

“Haven’t been to Russia in years,” Alex remarked, slouching into his chair. “Should be interesting.”

“Thrill of the hunt,” Maggie added. “It’s been a while.”

“I shouldn’t have to tell both of you this,” Asher began, “but don’t get caught. I would hate to have an international incident under our belts after all of this cleanup.”

The sardonic smile on Maggie’s face said everything Jake needed to know. The Fedorov Bratva was in for a world of hurt once Maggie and Alex touched down in St. Petersburg. Jake would give his left nut to see the look on Fedorov’s face the minute he realized sending out his goons was the biggest mistake he could make, especially when they couldn’t get the job done.

“As for you,” Asher said, pinning Jake with a look. “You and I have a hearing to prepare for. Yes, we’ve had a reprieve, but the shit in Congress needs to be finished. I won’t have some hit job hanging over us, especially when we now know who in the FBI handed out the orders and why.”

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